Previously looked after children

What you can expect for your previously looked after child from an early years setting or school.

Early years education for two to four year olds

If your child is two, three or four years old find out more about early education funding.

How to find the best early years setting for your child

Before you choose an early years setting you can:

• check the Ofsted inspection report
• Find a childcare provider

You can also look at an individual setting’s website and arrange a visit.

Early Years Pupil Premium

Previously looked after children aged three and four years-old are eligible for the Early Years Pupil Premium (EYPP). You'll need to show evidence of the Court Order that proves that the child was in local authority care in either England or Wales.

School aged children

How to find the best school for your child

Before you choose a school you can:

• check the Ofsted inspection report
• see the school admissions web pages
• if your child has special educational needs and disabilities (SEND), see the special educational needs and disabilities school admissions process. There's a different admissions process for children with SEND.

You can also look at an individual school’s website and arrange a visit.

When you apply for your child’s school place

When you apply for a school place you will be asked if your child:

• was adopted from care in England or Wales on an Adoption Order
• was adopted from state care outside England and Wales, state care is care provided by a public authority, a religious organisation, or any other organisation whose sole or main purpose is to benefit society
• left care in England and Wales on a Special Guardianship Order or a Child Arrangements Order

The Order must still be current.

You don’t have to tell anyone that your child was previously looked after, but your child won’t have priority in getting a school place if you don’t.
You’ll be asked to provide evidence that your child was previously looked after, for example the Court Order.

Funding for your school age child: Pupil Premium Plus

If your previously looked after child is in Year R to Y11 at a maintained school or academy, the school could get extra funding called Pupil Premium Plus.

You'll be asked to provide evidence to the school that your child:

• was adopted from care in England or Wales on an Adoption Order
• left care in England and Wales on a Special Guardianship Order or a Child Arrangements Order

If your child moves school you'll need to do this again. The school must treat this information as confidential.

You have the right not to tell the school that your child is previously looked after. However, if you don't tell the school your child won't benefit from the funding.

Adopted children are only entitled to Pupil Premium Plus funding if they were adopted from an English or Welsh local authority on leaving care.

Other sources of advice and information

Every maintained school and academy must have a designated teacher for previously looked after children who provides information, advice and support. They should be a good person to talk to in the first instance.

Adoption support

• Adoption UK: national charity providing support and information for adoptive families
• PAC UK: information and advice for parents about previously looked after children